The Scottish Government

In response to my comments on fishing quotas - the Scottish fishing industry may not be in a good position, but I think it is crazy to suggest that we will have more influence on EU policy as an independent country of 5 million out of over 300 million in the EU. At least as part of a country of 60 million, we can hope to influence EU policy.

The idea of "independence" that William Wallace fought for is outdated today. The events of the last few months show just how dependent we are on events in other countries.

As an "independent" country, we would be dependent on China for most of the goods we use, dependent on the Middle East for the price of oil, dependent on America for economic stability, and our currency and interest rates would be decided in Brussels.

At the end of the day, breaking up the UK to make Scotland independent would be like a very messy, costly divorce with lots of squabbling over assets, and when it's all over we would discover that actually, we don't have any more control over our affairs that we do now. Would it be worth it? I think not

Mrs Annie Besant speaking in Glasgow on the 12th december 1919.
Westminster Over-Burdened

"Westminster has not time to look after the individual wants of the sections of the Empire. Westminster cannot give the time to do all that is needed for Scotland. It is too over-burdened with Imperial matters to concern itself very much over the details of the workings of a single nation. Knowing this, and feeling convinced of the justice and equity of your claims, not for seperation, but for the principle of Self-Determination, you should go forward with confidence in a successful issue. As a striver for liberty I have accepted your invitation to speak - that liberty for which Scotland has played so mighty a part. My wish is for Scottish Home Rule so that Scotland may grow to her full stature-and it will be a mighty stature-among the nations of the world.

Although a bit outdated, I agree.

I believe an independent Scotland would never have been in the mess it is in today, I sincerely believe that, as someone who studies politics and economics its not hard to see how things could have been different. Putting the oil debate aside, the reckless policies of the Labour party are destroying our nation and any chance of gaining independence, convenient I think, especially what happened with HBOS, a bank which was still well funded, it makes sense that the UK government would waive competition rules to weaken Scotlands financial status and help discourage independence, anyone who doesn't see that I hate to say it but they are simply naive. I think its clear for all that borrowing to get out of debt never works, and if this is how Labour act at Westminster I certainly hope they never gain power in Scotland again! And as for the Monarchy, in regards to Neil from Northumberlands posting in which you state "I agree and see no good reason to remove the monarchy", well I disagree, I don't think they do anything for Scotland, and they waste a lot of taxpayers money, I see no reason why we should have a monarchy in an independent Scotland!

Not a lot to do with independence, more to do with Homecoming. I agree with the SNP that shops and businesses should take the euro, however, what is needed isn't just "infrastructure and support in place" (Sunday Mail) it's a far far lower margin between sell and buy for notes, which leads straight back to the banks. And for it to be easier to actually bank the notes - and coins, and take euros (and dollars) on credit cards.

Unlike mainland Europe, Britain has always been uneasy and expensive with anything but the Pound GBP.

Happy New Year!

Given that i know very little of the ins and outs of economy, I have no input to how better or worse off an independant scotland would be. However I ask all Scots to consider what is the "right" choice. Consider the morality behind the question of independence. Some may argue that contributing to the UK is in some ways noble - being part of something greater than what you are. I however disagree, we are misrepresented and stifled by the union - little more than a cash generator for Westminster. Our national identity across the world is diluted by the union.

To all fellow Scots,
Who would like to live in an independent Scotland but are unsure of our ability to survive because of our size and what would happen if we made mistakes? That is what being independent is about, to be able to make our own decision and not being told what was best for us by someone else who have no inkling on what our needs and desires are. Some ministers in the Westminster don't want Scotland to be independent, since it would lead to English wanting their own government (parliament ), then these ministers will not have a place to stand neither in Scotland or England.
Finally, an independent Scotland would not only direct its own future but would also be able to influence the future of the whole world.

200-Neil, you mean the Calman commission.

Happy New Year

A vote for an independant Scotland is very likely to lead to the removal of Nuclear Weapons from Scotland. A pefect New years resolution? Scotland has no desire for global engagement from the position of a global nuclear power. Consider your nuclear free future. Scotland has historically contributed skilled and dedicated front line troops in times of conflict to the Union. This is our contribution to European defence at the present time rather than paying for nuclear weapons.

Tak a cup o kindness.

Firstly let me say that I emigrated to USA from Scotland to get married. I have liked the way of life here (capitalism) though I can't see it surviving under the liberals in DC.
I support the idea of an Independent Scotland, however I have two questions of the SNP (whom I voted for when in Scotland):
1. When you look at the history of Scotland prior to the UK we could never successfully govern our country. Ok that was under a monarchy system, but will it be more successful under a democratic system and why?
2. The SNP have been claiming rights to North Sea Oil and Gas, however is there a chance the Oil and Gas companies could be scared off and refuse to produce for Scotland, and what about Scotland's other exports?

Like so many Scots I emigrated for economic reasons.The treaty of union was never submitted to the approval of the people of Scotland, and was passed only by bribery to the shareholders in the Darien scheme. The Declaration of Arbroath I believe asserted that the people of Scotland were sovereign.